Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Growth of a Seed
The story unfolds with a man who planted two gardens. He planted the best seeds in the garden closest to his house that had the correct balance of sun and shade. The seeds of lesser quality were planted in a mountainous area that would not receive any care except to remove weeds once a week. As the seeds from the first garden grew, he became less interested in the other garden. Excitedly, he looked at the sprouts growing into plants. The man became fixated on the prized garden, watering it, adding fertilizer, and diligently pulling weeds. He started thinking of the great harvest of vegetables soon to come due to his time and effort.
After one month of seeing the progress of the first garden, he decided that he didn’t need the second garden. But out of curiosity, he decided to take the long walk, anticipating the seeds died due to his lack of care. Yet, when he looked at the neglected garden the plants had grown three times the size of the garden he cared for every day. What the man failed to realize is the mountainous garden contained fertile soil with an abundance of natural nutrients. The plants thrived from the warmth of the sun’s rays and the intermittent rains that fell on that area caused the neglected garden to flourish.
We plant the seeds of habits, hobbies, relationships, and self-seeking desires in our garden of life, which receives the majority of our time. Our best efforts are directed toward the earthly things that count as nothing to further the kingdom of God. Not only do all Christians have the assignment of witnessing to those who need the gospel, comforting those in despair, and providing for those in need, we are required to witness every day!
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
God desires for us to plant the seeds of Jesus’ love and the plan of redemption. Once we do our part, the light from Christ will shine on the new believers and the Holy Spirit will water their souls. The decision to serve God is not one of neglect. We do not have the privilege of choosing the time slots or days we will witness. Just as employers require their full-time staff to work a minimum of 40 hours, Christians are spiritual workers who have the responsibility of sowing seeds seven days a week.
God never asks us to do the impossible, He always provides direction and the method to complete our assignment. God has given us advanced technology to sow seeds. We can use our social media accounts to witness or begin prayer chats. Using our cell phones, we can pray and speak words of encouragement to those who are sick and discouraged. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal your spiritual assignment, and give you discernment, and wisdom.
Loving and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior requires us to follow His example, in humility, we surrender our will and become His workers.
“He said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” (Matthew 9:37-38).
Bible Study: Matthew chapters 9 and 28
Prayer: Lord we desire to fulfill our spiritual assignment. We pray for the anointing, power, presence, and direction of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 